JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Atlantic Beach resident Mark Alvarez was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison for strangling a college student in 2001.
The body of 20-year-old Chrissie Mejias was later found stuffed inside a suitcase in her family's station wagon. Alvarez had set fire to the car.
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Prosecutors convinced the jury that Alvarez, 28, strangled Mejias when she offered him a ride home. He was found guilty of second-degree murder in August.
Alvarez always insisted his innocence, arguing Mejias died accidentally during rough sex.
Mejias' family made impact statements prior to sentencing. According to State Attorney Bernie De La Rionda, "It'll be tough for the parents. … But being able to talk to the judge will help in some way."
Alvarez's first trial ended in a mistrial in April, after a witness testified to knowing of the defendant's prior prison time in New York.
Previous Stories:
- April 15, 2003: Judge Declares Mistrial In Capital-Murder Case
- August 20, 2003: Cell Mate Says Alverez Smothered Woman
- August 25, 2003: Alverez Convicted Of Killing College Woman